Gocta Natura Reserve
Senderos Soul
The cloud forest always resembles something magical and mysterious to me, with any number of species of plants growing together competing for space and light, but all fed by constant moisture in the air. The rich coloured ferns, waxy bromeliads, delicate orchids and tall palms all play a part in holding together this amazing eco-system. When you can see all this from the deck of your lodge and with one of the world's tallest waterfalls in the distance, it is a view that is hard to beat. These natural surroundings compliment the lodge so well, particularly when it comes to mealtimes - where perfectly curated dishes made with the freshest ingredients grown either on site or in nearby smallholdings, are presented in the al fresco dining areas. Chachapoyas is known for it's warm people, hospitality and rich natural landscapes and you feel like all of that is present here at Gocta Natura Reserve.
- Nicola, Senderos
Key Facts
No. of rooms: 6 cabins
Room Categories:
De las Rocas: 1 king bed or 2 twin beds, deck with Gocta waterfall view
Aliso: Up to 3 adults + 1 child (8-11), 1 king + 1 twin or 3 twins, deck with Gocta waterfall
Pona: Up to 3 adults + 1 child (8-11), 1 king + 1 twin or 3 twins, terrace with Gocta waterfall view and private garden
Tangara: Up to 3 adults, 1 king + 1 twin or 3 twins, deck with Gocta waterfall view
Pudú del Norte: Up to 3 adults, 1 king + 1 twin or 3 twins, deck with forest & sunset views
Bromelia: 2-4 adults or 2 adults + 2 children (8-11), 1 king + 2 twins, terrace with Gocta waterfall & forest views.
Facilities:
– La Casa: Social area with board games, bar, fireplace, library, guest restroom, and seating for 14
– Main Deck: Relaxing space in La Casa with Gocta waterfall views
– Tutamono Dining Room: Wood-fired dining area between forest and garden for intimate meals
– Garden: Fruit and veg garden with greenhouse, hydroponics, drip irrigation, and rainwater collection
– Pool: Small with lounge chairs, seating, and covered relaxation area; drink service from Tutamono.
Internet: WiFi in cabins and main building.
Dates of operation: All year.
Rates from: from $424 per room & night (Aliso, based on 2 people sharing) with bed & breakfast. For more rates, see link in the Gallery and Resources box below.
Rates include:
Accommodation in private cabins; breakfast; tea, coffee and pastries in the cabins; Wifi; trail access that surround 6 ha. of Cangrejitos private forest and Botanical Garden (conservation area); palm forest route to the Gocta River. 5 km walk of medium difficulty; pool and orchard.
All Inclusive Package Example (Context Itinerary – can be curated to your clients’ interests and abilities), 4-Day Chachapoya & Nature Experience (with meals and excursions, rate on request):
- Day 1 – Arrival & Chachapoyas City Tour
Guided tour of Chachapoyas. The journey includes a stop at the Sonche Canyon for panoramic views and a visit to the Quechua settlement of Huancas, known for its traditional ceramics. A local artisan will offer a live demonstration. Continue to Gocta Natura Reserve. After check-in and lunch, guests can explore the Cangrejitos private forest and Botanic Garden. In the late afternoon, a visit to the Spatuletail Hummingbird Refuge offers a chance to observe the rare and delicate Loddigesia mirabilis, an endemic species of Peru. - Day 2 – Kuelap Archaeological Site
A full-day excursion to Kuelap, the remarkable fortress of the Chachapoya civilization, often referred to as the “Machu Picchu of the North.” The tour includes a scenic cable car ride and guided exploration of the site’s ancient stone structures. - Day 3 – Gocta Waterfall Trek
A guided trek through cloud forest trails leads to the breathtaking Gocta Waterfall, one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. Guests can enjoy birdwatching and encounter diverse flora and fauna along the way. A picnic lunch is included. - Day 4 – Departure
After breakfast, guests can enjoy a final morning at leisure before departing for the airport.
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Minimum age: 8 (children under 8 only on request)
Senderos recommends: 4 or 5-Day Chachapoya & Nature Experience.
Sustainability
Gocta Natura Reserve demonstrates its commitment to sustainability through several key initiatives.
- Reforestation with Native Species: The reserve actively engages in reforestation, prioritising native species that support soil health and provide food for local wildlife, including birds, insects, reptiles, and monkeys, thereby enhancing biodiversity. By 2023 they had planted more than 16,000 trees.
- Circular Economy in Agriculture: Embracing a circular economy model, the reserve cultivates a variety of vegetables, fruits, and seeds in its on-site garden. This approach emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices and ensures fresh, locally sourced produce for guests.
- Eco-Friendly Infrastructure: The reserve has constructed stone pathways and wooden bridges that harmonise with the natural landscape, allowing guests to explore the six hectares of reforested land without disrupting the environment.
Gocta Natura Reserve received their BCorp Certification in July 2024.
Need to know:
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Gocta Natura Reserve is situated in Cocachimba, in Peru’s Amazonas region, offering stunning views of the Gocta Waterfall.
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Farm-to-table homemade cuisine is a highlight, with fresh produce from the on-site garden and local farmers. They avoid serving beef for environmental reasons. The meals are set menus and they can cater for any dietary requirements.
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Activities include hiking to Gocta Waterfall, exploring nearby archaeological sites such as Kuelap, birdwatching, and participating in community workshops like textile weaving and sugarcane processing.
- Kuelap and Karajia are both about 1.5 hours drive from the lodge, and require some walking to get to the sites. This can also be done on horseback.
- Kuelap Cable Car is closed on Mondays.
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The owner is committed to protecting the cloud forest and its biodiversity while supporting local families to improve their quality of life.
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The reserve is approximately an hour’s drive from Chachapoyas, three-hour drive from Jaen Airport, seven or eight hours from Tarapoto (with nature reserves on the way).
- The Wi-Fi at the lodge can be patchy due to the remote location.
Perfect for:
Perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts looking to explore Peru’s breathtaking landscapes and the rich heritage of the Chachapoya civilisation.
Getting there
Gocta Natura Reserve is located in Cocachimba, Amazonas region, Peru, approximately 28 miles from Chachapoyas Airport.
By Air
7 flights per week with ATSA airlines (none on Wednesdays, 2 on Saturdays) from Lima to Chachapoyas Airport: On arrival, guests can arrange for private transportation or take a taxi to Cocachimba. From Jaén Airport: Alternatively, visitors can fly into Jaén Airport, which is located approximately 4-5 hours by car from Cocachimba. From Jaén, guests can hire a private car or take a bus to Chachapoyas, and then proceed to Cocachimba.
Gallery & Resources
Follow this link to Senderos Resources for Gocta Natura Reserve to access:
- Images, our selection
- Fact sheets
- Presentations
- Rack rates
- Excursion lists
- And other useful information.
Weather
Gocta Natura Reserve experiences a subtropical highland climate characterised by mild temperatures and significant humidity throughout the year. Daytime temperatures typically range from 18°C to 25°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to between 10°C and 15°C. The region receives considerable rainfall, especially during the wet season from November to April, contributing to its lush cloud forests.
Links
Senderos Webinar with Rocio Florez, owner of Gocta Natura Reserve, May 2025.